BAKERSFIELD, CA - A powerful duo is establishing further success for one rising industry initiative. It was recently announced that Brighter Bites has tapped the prowess of Sunkist Growers to help improve the health of students and families in the Bakersfield, California, area.
“We are excited to grow our ongoing support of Brighter Bites’ mission by providing fresh, California-grown citrus to students across the Bakersfield community,” said Christina Ward, Senior Director, Global Marketing at Sunkist Growers. “As Sunkist celebrates its 130th anniversary as a farmer-owned cooperative, our family of citrus growers understands the importance of nutritious and delicious foods. Through the Brighter Bites program, there are many opportunities to educate families on the health benefits of citrus and the many fun ways to snack, drink, and cook with oranges, lemons, Mandarins, and more.”
Sunkist brings a robust portfolio of nearly 40 conventional, specialty, and organic citrus varieties to the program, strengthening its commitment to continually striving for excellence and nurturing its citrus to the highest standards.
According to a press release, Sunkist began providing monthly citrus donations to the Brighter Bites Bakersfield locations in early December, helping to provide families with weekly access to fresh produce at no cost. Bakersfield marks Brighter Bites’ third location in California, following its establishment in Salinas in 2021 and Los Angeles in 2022.
"I am very excited to have Mandarins this week as it provides good vitamin C for my kids which is essential this time of year,” said Tiffany Reid, a parent at Virginia Avenue Elementary School. “I've noticed other programs give canned items, but Brighter Bites always gives fresh and beautiful produce. I've participated every week and I'm grateful to have you guys [Brighter Bites] here.”
Since its launch in 2012, Brighter Bites has distributed more than 50 million pounds of produce and hundreds of thousands of nutrition education materials to over 500,000 individuals through schools, after-school programs, and summer camps in the cities in which it serves.
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